Conner Run Refuse Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Conner Run Refuse Impoundment, located in Wheeling, West Virginia, is a public utility structure designed for tailings storage on Conner Run.
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Summary
This dam, completed in 1976, stands at a height of 267 feet with a hydraulic height of 182 feet and a length of 1400 feet. With a storage capacity of 15,750 acre-feet and a surface area of 155 acres, this impoundment is regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its high hazard potential is managed effectively.
The dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with its last inspection occurring in October 2013, and it is deemed to meet safety guidelines. The emergency action plan for the Conner Run Refuse Impoundment was last revised in April 2015. Despite being a high hazard structure, the impoundment is designed with buttress core types and unlisted/unknown foundations, demonstrating a focus on structural integrity and safety. The impoundment serves as a critical storage facility for tailings, helping to manage waste materials effectively while prioritizing environmental and public safety in its design and operation.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Conner Run Refuse Impoundment to be an intriguing example of engineering ingenuity in managing industrial waste products. As a key structure in the area, it plays a vital role in waste management while adhering to state regulations and undergoing regular inspections. The impoundment's strategic location and design highlight the importance of balancing resource utilization with environmental safeguards, making it a compelling case study for those interested in sustainable water management practices in the context of industrial operations.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
267 |
River Or Stream |
CONNER RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
155 |
Hydraulic Height |
182 |
Drainage Area |
1.72 |
Nid Storage |
15750 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
267 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Captina Cr. At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills
|
25cfs |
Ohio River Above Sardis
|
10500cfs |
Wheeling Creek Below Blaine Oh
|
32cfs |
Wheeling Creek At Elm Grove
|
128cfs |
Middle Island Creek At Little
|
368cfs |
Short Creek Near Dillonvale Oh
|
38cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Conner Run Refuse Impoundment